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Make amazing Chow Mein in 15 minutes! These noodles are highly adaptable and you can make them sweet or spicy, however you like! I originally wrote this recipe way back in 2015 and since then it has become one of my consistently top recipes. It won’t take you long to realize why. I love this recipe along with the rest of my Asian-inspired recipes!
Quick and Easy Chow Mein!
I definitely have my favorite take-out dishes from various places and the chow mein is usually just fine. But when I make them myself, I can add in as much flavor as I want and eat a whole pan of them for maybe $2. I’m a cheap date, ya’ll. Also, I’m all about quick and easy recipes and this one does not disappoint. You can make these Asian-y inspired noodles as salty, sweet, spicy, or gingery as you’d like…and all in 15 minutes!
But First, What is Chow Mein?
Chow Mein is made up of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and/or meat. It’s a popular dish in most American Chinese restaurants and now in your home too!
I made this recipe so it could be a customizable base for your dinner needs; add meat, different vegetables, and even a different type of noodle if you want.
Chow Mein Ingredients
- Chow Mein Noodles: Made with wheat and egg, traditional chow mein noodles have a distinctive bite to them that reminds me of classic Italian pasta noodles. You will get dried chow mein noodles in the Asian aisle in nearly every grocery store. Some markets also have pre-cooked fresh noodles in the refrigerated section that you can simply throw straight into your pan with the veggies.
- Vegetables: Some classic vegetables used for chow mein include green onions, carrots, cabbage, or bean sprouts. However, you can get creative with your selection of veggies and use bok choy, water chestnuts, broccoli, spinach, kale, celery, corn, bamboo shoots or snap peas. If you have any leftover veggies in your fridge, making chow mein will be an excellent way to use them up.
- Meat: Any type of good quality meat will work well as a source of protein for your chow mein. Opt for chicken breast or thighs, beef, pork, or shrimp – they will make your dish not only delicious but also filling.
Are you vegetarian or vegan? You can enjoy your chow mein in its plant-based version by using vegetable stock and replacing meat with tofu or tempeh. Incredible taste guaranteed!
How to Make Chow Mein
When I say this is a super easy Chow Mein recipe, I mean it! For full recipe details, check out the recipe card below! Here is what you can expect when making this recipe:
Cook Chow Mein Noodles
Cook ramen noodles in boiling water until chewy and *just* cooked. Drain and set aside.
*Chow Mein Noodles* – AKA ramen noodles. I used the cheap packaged ramen that comes with little seasoning packets. However, you are welcome to buy and use store-bought fresh ramen or yaki soba noodles.
Sauté Cabbage, Onions + Ginger
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onion, shredded green cabbage, salt, pepper, and fresh ginger together until tender.
Toss Together with Flavorings
In a small bowl combine sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil together. Pour over cooked noodles and toss until heated through. Serve hot!
Storing Chow Mein
Any leftover Chow Mein can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. After that, things start to get a little too mushy!
Freezing Instructions
Chow Mein actually freezes really well! Let cool then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months!
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight then do a quick stir fry to warm things up!
Side Dish Ideas
If you feel like you need some protein with this meal check out my Korean Beef Recipe orBetter Than Take-Out Crispy Sesame Beef. Chicken thighs or shrimp would be super good too.
You could also serve this alongside some extra veggies, pot stickers, or crab rangoon!
Here are 30+ more ideas for What Serve with Chow Mein.
Chow Mein Recipe FAQs
What is Chow Mein?
Chow mein is a Chinese dish made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood. The name “chow mein” comes from the Taishanese word for “fried noodles”.
What Kind of Noodles Are Used in a Chow Mein Recipe?
Chow mein noodles are typically made from wheat flour and eggs. They can be found fresh or dried in Asian markets and some grocery stores. If you can’t find chow mein noodles, you can substitute them with ramen noodles or other long noodles, even thin spaghetti noodles.
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in Chow Mein?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in chow mein. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking and drain any excess water. I typically prefer using fresh ingredients for this recipe, but I know that’s not always an option or convenient.
How Do I Prevent the Noodles From Sticking Together?
Be sure to cook the noodles in a large pot of boiling water and stir frequently. After cooking, rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
Can I Make This Chow Mein Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, chow mein can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just be sure to store the noodles and vegetables separately from the sauce to prevent them from getting soggy.
What Sauces Pair Well With Homemade Chow Mein?
Basically any asian inspired, savory sauce you enjoy would be tasty on chow mein! Dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, etc. are all great options.
More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try!
- Ramen Stir Fry
- Sesame Noodle Salad
- Kung Pao Chicken (Family Favorite!)
- Chicken Pad Thai
- Bang Bang Chicken
- Easy Fried Rice
More from Lauren’s Latest
- Pretzel Dogs
- Crab Rangoon Recipe
- Smoked Corned Beef
I hope you love this homemade chow mein recipe! It’s so easy and and great way to use up some veggies! Give this Chow Mein Recipe a try tonight and see if you like them as much as my family does.
Printable recipe card is below! Enjoy, friends.
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you wouldgive it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
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4.25 from 83 votes
Chow Mein Recipe
Make amazing Chow Mein in 15 minutes! These noodles are highly adaptable and you can make them sweet or spicy, however, you like! Love this recipe.
servings 4 servings
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 4 packages ramen noodles* or yakisoba noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 small onion diced
- 10 oz shredded cabbage
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger or grate in a little fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
Cook ramen noodles in boiling water until chewy and *just* cooked. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion, cabbage, salt, pepper, ginger together until tender.
Toss together with cooked noodles, sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil until heated through.
Serve hot.
Video
Notes
*You are welcome to use fresh ramen or yakisoba noodles in place of the cheap ramen.
Nutrition
Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 844mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.8mg
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: Chow Mein, Chow Mein Noodles, Chow Mein Recipe
